The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-12-04
OFFICERS OF THE HOUSE.
DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS
HOLD THEIR CAUCUSES.


Carlisle and the officers of the Last
House Re-Nominated Without Oppo-
sition-A. B. Hurt, of Mississippi,
Chosen for Doorkeeper After a
Lively Fight-Carlisle's Speech.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3-The caucus of the
Democratic Representatives tonight re-
nominated, without opposition, Speaker
Carlisle, Chaplain Milburn, Postmaster
Dalton, Sergeant-at-Arms Leedom and
CLERK Clark of the House. A. B. Hurt, of
Mississippi was nominated for doorkeeper
after lively and protracted contest, in the
course Of which it is reported that Nj.
Blount, of Georgia, and Mr.. Breckenridge,
of Arkansas, came to blows, but that after
having cooled down in the cloak rooms,
after being separated by friends, they be-
came reconciled and shook hands.
CARLTsLE's ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
After, Mr.. Carlisle's nomination he was
brought into the hall and acknowledged the
honor shown him in a brief and feeling
speech, in the course of which he said: II
need not speak on this occasion of the inn
portance of the approaching session of Con-
gress. think we all appreciate, and per
haps there is not among us one who would
not gladly escape, if he could, from the re-
sponsibilities which the situation imposes on
him, but we cannot escape from them.
AS representatives of the people we
are sent here to do work which
the interests of the people require, and we
must do it, or at least make an honest effort
to do it. With an united, harmonious
Democratic majority it is impossible for us
TO fail; while without such majority it is
impossible for us to succeed, or at least sue
cess would be extremely doubtful. 1t is
therefore of the highest Importance that we
should reconcile, if possible, all differences
of opinion among ourselves before
we engage in the contest with the
common enemy. If we can agree among
ourselves on essential points we
can well afford, in view of the critical con-
dition of the country, to postpone the dis
cussiona of minor matters until a more
appropriate time This course, it seems to
me, is demanded by the highest considera-
tions of party expediency and public well
fare But, Mr. Chairman, did not intend
to indulge in this line of remark, and will
not pursue it further. We all well know
what is expected Of us, and l hope you are
all prepared to make such concessions and
compromises as will secure concert of
action and satisfactory settlement of the
great public questions which will be pre-
Sented for our consideration"
FIGHTING OVER THE DooRKEEPERSHIP.
The nominations for Clerk and Sergeant
at-Arms were then made, and the contest
over the doorkeepership began. The candi-
dates named were Mr. Donelson, of Tennes-
see: Mr.. Raines, of New York; A. B. Hurt,
of Mississippi: d. K. Reeder, of Pennsylva-
MIA, and Mr.. House, of Michigan. As soon
the nominations were closed Mr.. Breckln-
i vic -ofN aalr
on Mr. Donelson, substantially repeating
and celebrating what was contained in his
published charges against the Doorkeeper.
Mr. Taulbee, of Kentucky, defended the
doorkeeper, as did Mr.. Blount of Georgia.
The latter was repeatedly interrupted in his
remarks by Mr.. Breckenridge, and finally
both the gentlemen lost their tempers, and
came together in threatening manner.
In the course of a running colloquy between
the two gentlemen. Mr.. Blount remarked
that Mr. Breckinridge was of course work
ing for his man."
Mr. Breckenridge Indignantly denied that
he had "a man." and declared that he was
actuated in his action merely by a desire
for the good of the Democratic party.
Mr.. Blount reiterated his statement, and
Mr. Breckenridge, turning toward him, said
with warmth: 1.-The gentleman imputes to
me dishonorable motives"
In the excitement and confusion Mr..
Blount misunderstood the remark, and, be-
ieving that dishonorable motives had been
imputed to him, struck his antagonist, who,
carried away with the passion of the
moment returned the blow, striking Mr..
Blount on the cheek Before other blows
could be passed, the gentlemen were
separated, and MIR. Breckenridge retired
to the cloak room. The circumstances
were then explained to Mr.. Blount,
who instantly, upon learning of the misap-
prehension under which he had labored, re-
quested that Mr.. breckinridge return to the
floor in order that he might tender to him
an apo ogy for his action. Upon Mr.. Breck-
inridge's appearance, Mr.. Blount apologized
and the gentlemen shook hands with great
cordiality. After the excitement occasioned
by this incident had subsided the discussion
of the merits of the candidates was con-
cluded
THE BALLOTING.
The first ballot stood: